Heat's turn to court LeBron

CLEVELAND - Miami Heat president Pat Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra, billionaire owner Micky Arison and former center Alonzo Mourning spent nearly three hours making their presentation to try to lure LeBron James, the NBA's most coveted free agent, to sunny South Florida.

On their way out of the IMG building, they passed the Los Angeles Clippers' two-man contingent of acting general manager Neil Olshey and executive Andy Roeser.

After the meetings concluded and he headed out the door, James was asked how things are going. "Good," he said.

"This is a very fluid process," Riley said. "We've had five meetings across the country in the span of 40 hours. We will continue with the process. It's still early in free agency, but we feel very good with how our presentations have gone thus far."

On Saturday, James will visit with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, the teams widely considered co-favorites to sign the two-time MVP.

Riley's pitch included the benefit of playing in a state with no income tax - something that would be worth millions to James, whose off-court earnings dwarf his on-court salary - and playing with buddy Dwyane Wade.

"We feel very strongly about our commitment to [Wade] and our fans," said Riley, who is planning to speak with Brendan Haywood, David Lee and possibly others before returning to Miami.

However, Wade had a second meeting with the Bulls on Friday, perhaps a sign that his return to Miami isn't as guaranteed as once was thought.

- AP